Kamishibai: Presenting the World's First SuperHero!

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Program Description

Event Details

Comic-Con Themed Kamishibai: Japanese "Street Theater" Storytelling, presented by Walter Ritter

Kamishibai brings international folk tales and other stories to life for people, from toddlers to teens and beyond. In this Japanese storytelling tradition, a professional storyteller reveals a series of illustrations contained in a storybox as the narrative unfolds.  Before TV & comic books existed in Japan, there was Kamishibai (kami = paper; shibai = theatre).  With a wooden box, illustrations & a great narrator to tell the story, kiddos will be in for a treat!

Video Presentation– “The World's First Super Hero?!?! Ōgon Batto” (10 minutes)

“During the 1930s and 1950s one of the most popular forms of entertainment in Japan was Kamishibai paper plays.  By most accounts the very first Kamishibai (紙芝居) was Ōgon Batto (黄金バット), which was performed on the streets of Tokyo in 1930.  By some accounts, Ōgon Batto was the first superhero.  He predates both Superman and Batman by a number of years.  This film provides a brief overview of Ōgon Batto, followed by Kamishibai performances of the very first Ōgon Batto and one from the 1950s.” -Dym Sensei, Professor of Japanese History at Sacramento State University

Video followed by story presentation: Japanese superhero folklore story "Momotaro, the Peach Boy."

Includes a brief Q&A.

(And rumor has it that there might be free comic books given out after the presentation......)

This Kamishibai storytime program is presented by Write Out Loud San Diego whose mission is to inspire, challenge and entertain by reading literature aloud to audiences of all ages.

Accessibility

Need disability-related modifications or accommodations? Information and program content can be made available in alternative formats upon request by emailing JFRogers@sandiego.gov.